Rose Island, Bahamas

If you have the luxury of a boat while traveling in Nassau, don't bother beaching in the capital or Paradise Island. The best beaching locations nearest Nassau are to the east on Rose Island.

On this 11-mile-long island, you can pick and choose between secluded coves and sprawling stretches of uninhabited beach. There are also a few beach bars and private homes where you can hang out and enjoy relaxed party vibes. First Beach is only 4.4 miles outside of Nassau Harbour and from there, the city will become but a memory. Twenty years ago, you could barely see a house in sight on Rose Island. Today, the island is no longer the best kept of secrets. A few second homes are scattered around and some small-scale commercial developments have begun to pop up here and there. Most are unobtrusive, but one thing has remained constant: The summer still belongs to Rose Island as the most conveniently located boating hub for beaching near Nassau.